Heading into the 2023 , all intrigue began at the No. 2 spot, where the ' decision between Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson would dictate what the did at No. 3.The Hornets took Miller. As far as the Blazers, who coveted Henderson, were concerned, it was a gift. Had Charlotte taken Henderson, perhaps Portland would've transitioned harder into trade mode with Miller as it aims to put a contending roster around .But Henderson, in the opinion of Portland GM Joe Cronin, was, and is, simply too good to give up, which surely comes as a disappointment to Blazers fans who have long been clamoring for the proverbial "all-in" move Cronin has long been hinting at being ready to make, and saw Henderson as the blue-chip a set to make that happen."I Joe Blanton Jersey would say we made the biggest move po sible by drafting Scoot Henderson," Cronin said, . "He's going to be better than any player that would maybe be perceived as that big move. And then you start to factor in other things that matter in this league the salary cap, (Henderson) on a rookie scale that allows us to build a lot more depth than we would have been Patrick Corbin Jersey able to otherwise." Many would agree with Cronin. Henderson is widely regarded as a No. 1 overall talent who just so happens to have come along at the same time as one of the greatest prospects ever in Victor Wembanyama. That a player of that caliber, a potentially generational guy, fell to the Blazers at No. 3 is a major stroke of luck.Personally, I'm of the opinion that Charlotte absolutely butchered this decision by choosing Miller because he "fits" better alongside . Remember when the took at No. 2 overall in 2020 over Ball because he filled a "need" as a big man on a small team? How'd that work out?"You draft best player po sible," Cronin said, "then figure it out."Now comes the figuring it out part. The Blazers can still trade Henderson. Whatever offers were out there on draft night weren't enough for Cronin to part with Henderson, whom he believes "has a chance to be a transcendent player in this league," but that's just a starting point. Free agency begins in a week. Portland is going to be aggre sive in at least trying to put a contender on the floor. My gue s is they want to Roenis Elias Jersey do that with Lillard and Henderson together, likely making and future draft capital the core of any outgoing package in a potential deal. CBS Sports HQ Newsletter Your Ultimate Guide to Every Day in Sports We bring sports Jake Noll Jersey news that matters to your inbox, to help you stay informed and get a winning edge. I agree to receive the "CBS Sports HQ Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. By pre sing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the and acknowledge Paramount's . Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox. Sorry! There was an error proce sing your subscription. If that route doesn't net a return that the Blazers, and Lillard, think makes them a real contender, fire up the Dame trade machine, because it's going to get hot. They could move Lillard this summer. Kyle McGowin Jersey They could move him at the trade deadline. Either way, the feeling I'm getting is they will move Lillard before they move Scoot Henderson, and I agree with that a se sment. It is a long shot that Portland has the goods to bring back a package that makes them a contender without giving up Henderson, and I agree with Cronin on that front. Henderson is just too good to give up for what would still be a super long shot at winning a title. Click here Click here Click here